“That process change will include how we’ll gather input from the community, the data-driven decision making that we’ll have. Then, ultimately, how we’ll communicate those changes through our media representatives,” said Whitmer.

As part of that plan, the town hall format changed from having an open question and answer period to a more personal one-on-one interaction with booths set up by departments at the VA.

Whitmer said he hopes this helps with communication between veterans and the departments.

Vietnam Veteran Bob Miller, who couldn’t go on camera, said he’s all for trying new things and thinks it could help as long as their questions and concerns don’t fall on deaf ears.

Whitmer said he has already started working on the 28 recommendations by the Office of the Medical Investigator and will continue to follow those guidelines to help him facilitate change at the Roseburg VA while he’s interim director.